The next major bet in cinema, Titanic, had been in production for a long time, but a blockbuster premiere was typically set for June 8, 1997. After all, what better way to launch it? A massive production needed a grand stage—what better season than summer, when audiences were at their peak?
-It's the best date we can pick, and a love story like this will give us media visibility. So many opportunities in this glorious release window, and I don't see many big productions posing a real challenge. They're in an off phase—Air, Batman, and, of course, a few kids' movies. But right now, I don't see anything that can stand in our way. We'll crush all those low-quality productions.– James Cameron said, having wrapped up the last minor details of the film, confident as ever in his position as the industry's frontrunner.
-I wouldn't get ahead of myself like that. – responded John Ladou.
-It's better to stay ahead, and I predict success, as I should. Success comes from my confidence. This movie is everything I could have asked for and more. We're days away from victory—that's a fact. There's little time left to secure our position. A bit of business maneuvering, and we'll steamroll the competition. I don't see anything coming from other studios that's remotely impressive or even acceptable for that time frame.– Cameron remarked.
-Well, lucky us, then. Meanwhile, I have Paramount and Fox breathing down my neck, pushing us in different directions. It's exhausting.– John responded, his words tinged with frustration. Hollywood was tightening its grip, from production pressures to financial constraints that left them cornered. The sheer costs were enough to strain their investors, who bombarded him with angry calls demanding updates—when would they see returns on their money? Had they simply forgotten?
-I'm afraid the next few months will be more of the same, John. I stopped answering the phone once we passed the $200 million mark. I suspect they'll go back to hating us—at least until we win. – Cameron said.
There was no denying it: the coming months looked bleak for the film industry. Few movies were on the horizon, and the market seemed stagnant. But that was about to change. Award season was approaching, and with it, the chance to claim a prime spot.
The English Patient had secured seven Oscar nominations, including Best Actor. Billy had earned his place, and the actresses had as well. Unfortunately, their competition might have an edge—particularly L.A. Confidential and Kim Basinger's performance.
-Billy's book is still on store shelves, though it didn't get much publicity. The kid seems to have sold just under 30,000 copies—not exactly great, at least from what I gather. –
John Ladou closely tracked book sales. However, if even half of those 30,000 readers went to see the film, it would be a significant win. That could translate into an audience of 50,000, nearly the population of a small town.
The best way to visit the Old Continent was with an inherently profitable plan. The last time he had been here, his father had ended up marrying a woman fourteen years younger than him—somehow, she had given him four children, expanding the Carson family like never before and leading to fractures along the way. Later, Billy had traveled here with Monica, though their layover had lasted no more than four hours before heading to the set of Life is Beautiful.
-This is where I bought you that sandwich when you came to visit me in Rome.– Monica said, now ready to spend an entire week indulging in the city's culinary delights. Every restaurant, every spot in Rome's central square, was on their list. Many of these places boasted Michelin stars, some of them notoriously difficult to book. But the names Billy Carson and Monica Bellucci carried weight.
Dressed in winter coats and matching hats, they looked every bit the celebrity couple, ready to make an impression.
-Diana's Place is divine. We have a reservation at 6:00 PM. Then there's the piccata place overlooking the Colosseum, a luxury spot. San Lorenzo is perfect for seafood on Tuesday, and Wednesday we'll be at a private hotel for an exclusive event hosted by a friend. She's bringing in a renowned Spanish chef. Thursday, we'll head to a beach party, and on Friday, we're off to Venice for some fun before moving on to Florence, Milan, Ravenna, and back to Venice. Then we'll stop in Pescara before finally reaching Umbria for New Year's. – Monica explained, her excitement making her seem even more radiant. She was like a greenhouse flower escaping the shade, blossoming under the sun.
-Then I guess I'll need my mornings to rest. Afternoons for socializing. I've set up a little schedule—10 to 12, and then 1 to 3, for you to draw. In the evenings, some nights you can sketch from 7 to 8, or 6 to 9, depending on how long our dinner plans run. – the Italian added, already thinking about making an impression for their next trip. January would be spent in Umbria, with a stop in Spain.
-Then take care of everything, darling. – Billy replied, pressing a soft kiss to her full lips. They never seemed to lose their smile—hope was etched into them.
-I think you need a new suit. I ordered a few from Canali—one in blue, with a white background and red sleeves, to match my dress. Sometimes, I like a touch of blue. – Monica said, exuding her usual seductive elegance with every move.
Another kiss. As Europe embraced them, they felt more at home here than in the United States. Perhaps it was because of one simple reason—a young man and an older woman. There was something almost wickedly enchanting about them, like characters straight out of a storybook. The gossip never stopped. Beauty was a currency, and with it came the weight of scrutiny, even during a simple meal in a foreign city.
-Well, I suppose I can't say no when your eyes refuse to take no for an answer. What can I do when your arms wrap around me and fill me with warmth?– Billy murmured, pulling Monica into a tight embrace. She was radiant, irresistibly happy.
-Believe it or not, I have a role lined up for February, so this vacation is important to me too.– Monica admitted.
She had landed a part in Air Force One, which was wrapping up production and set to begin post-production between late January and early February. It wasn't a lead role, but secondary roles were opening doors for her, helping her carve out a space in the fiercely competitive film industry.
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